Henna Lipstick

Would you commit to temporary lip tattoos? Fret not–we did it for you.

Two weeks ago on the corner of 2nd Street, I complimented Charlotte’s lip color. It was a distinct hue of bright pink that met the proper dosage of red, specifically for her and seemed as congenital as anyone’s natural lip color might.

“Thanks,” she began explaining, “It’s a weird green henna product.”

“So it dyes your lips?” I was confused.

“Temporarily, yeah,” she told me as she went on to share the tale of her findings:

On a frigid night in a hole-in-the-wall bar in Berlin, I met a magician–and by magician I mean a denizen of Berlin by way of France, who insisted I try her mystical green lipstick.

“It looks different on everyone, it reacts to your body chemistry and turns a pinkish reddish hue. It has henna in it so it stays on evenly, all day. Everyday if you want,” she told me.

I was sold. Who wouldn’t want a part in this bizarre beauty witchcraft? But the selling point quickly became the Mount Everest standing between myself and the lipstick when the friend in question explained to me, just as I was readying to pay whatever it would cost that one could only procure the lip stain in Morocco.

After some frantic internet searching, I discovered that the lip stain is not a native product to Morocco and that color changing lipstick is a relic of the past (see: the 1980s). Back then, it was marketed as “mood lipstick” and changed color according to your mood.

As far as the chemistry goes, it appears that the main ingredient in many of these products is Red 27, which when dissolved in a waterless base, appears colorless. However, when it comes into contact with moisture, it reacts to the pH (pure hydrogen) balance and temperature of your lips which causes the color change. This reaction to the skin’s acidity accounts for the variance in hue from person to person. pH levels can also alter based on diet and stress, which is another variance among different people. The lipstick is a simple reaction to a change in solubility from direct contact with the skin or even the moisture in the air. While this lipstick is magical, technically speaking it does not penetrate the chemistry of your body to customize a perfect hue that works with your coloring.

In searching the U.S. iterations of these products, it does not state anything about them containing henna, however the more ambiguous Moroccan version may still. Henna is a common product there as is utilized for lip coloration. My experience with the product is that it stays on for hours on end without messing up the way a typical lipstick would. It has a matted effect as if it is in fact tattooing or staining the lip.

Naturally, I too became bewilderingly curious to try the green lipstick inconspicuously but successfully masquerading itself as the answer to my red-lip, red-teeth and often red-pillow-next-morning quagmires. Upon first try, I looked into a mirror no more than twenty seconds post-application. I learned that perhaps a rosy pink wasn’t the color for me. Five minutes later, I looked back into the same mirror and observed that the color had grown deeper, darker and far more suitable to augment but simultaneously endorse the state of my lips’ innate color.

I’m still not quite sure how the glorified, semi-permanent lip tattoo knows how to ink me in a way that seems so precisely aware of that which “works” on me.

In the photos above, you will notice that I’d originally smeared the lipstick across my bottom lip to discern the difference between my natural color and the enhanced color. In the subsequent photos, you will see both lips stained. Twenty four hours post documentation, both lips are still distinctly pink. My pillows have yet to witness any color casualties.

love it princess… you look so beautiful, I saw your pretty face the second I came to you site and voila!! what a great way to start my day:)

Therese

Khai Khai F-U ring looooove

Passant Adel

O..MY..GODD!! you have no idea what i did once i saw the first image, last time i saw this was like 15 years ago, with my mom, she had tons of these, yes i’m from Egypt and we are connected to henna in alot of ways too, so you gave me the biggest nostalgia here, so here is my goal now.. i’ll search for this product here and I WILL FIND IT.

Passant Adel

After i did my happy dance when i saw that my comment became the best comment WEEHHOOOO! (yes it’s man repeller so i’m famous!) i love to say that i found it YES another happy dance, it’s greaaat! w8 a min. isn’t that wierd to reply on my own comment? 0_O weirdo

Actually they have… I have one by Dior, and I know there’s more out there.

Alice

What’s the one by Dior called?

Brandi

I have the Dior one too. It’s called Dior Addict Lip Glow. I got mine at sephora.

Mme Beatrice

During the actual 1980s, my friend and I went in together on a tube of that stuff and being impatient little things, we put it on while walking home. Without a mirror. A few minutes later, we look at each other and all I could say was ” you look like you French kissed a watermelon”! She concurred that I too had a nice hot pink crazy person look. And you’re right — that shiz STAINS! At least it gave our moms a laugh.

For a more modern version, the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain seems to have just a bit of the pink stuff as a stain, mixed with a sheer color…very nice if you want the stain without the French kissed a watermelon effect.

I got one by a weird pharmacist when I was 10, in a souk in Marrakech (morroco).
I was so thrilled! this lipstick is just amazing. it was all day long! even more…hard to get rid of it once you applied it haha
enjoy! xx

Greaat !! Do u know that in Morocco we call this lipstick “bouss matkhafch”, it means “kiss and don’t be afraid”

http://www.thepvdhjournal.com/ The PvdH Journal

We used to get these in Mexico as kids to play ‘make-up’… They really are a pain to take out later on (unless they have updated them) (or possibly not make them in China anymore)

http://twitter.com/LiveLoveLA Neekoh

Wow, you tapped into a part of my memory bank I didn’t think existed! My mom used to wear this in the ’80s. Seeing the product’s packaging brings me right back to being 4 years old. I might buy it for nostalgia’s sake!

I still remember when I was a little girl (I think I was 8), and I always saw my grandmom using her green & golden butterflies lipstick. She gave me a chance to try once and the colour kept all day long. I felt like a mini women at time. 24 years later, here I am: an obsessed Girl About Town ;)))

Rose and william

I love your rings! And i want the green lipstick too.

tamara

Hi everyone i have found the lipstick for SALE on ebay… This is the Link…

But if I did suit lipstick, it was such a pretty color (and really its persistence was admirable considering I pretty much hosed my face with every available solvent) that I definitely would have got one of my own.

x Camilla

http://www.facebook.com/zaena.miller Zaena Miller

This is very cool- been trying Henna dyes on my hair for the past couple of months- not achieved the desired result as is only good for a tint but with makeup I always look for something subtle- so this looks perfect! http://thelaststraggler.wordpress.com/

Niters

Just bought some can’t wait to try it out!

Dejhana Waite

Be right back. Buying this right now. I’m such a sucker for a good gimmick.

It’s kind of funny seeing you write about this product! My grandma used it when she was young and also my mom. It was actually one of the cheepest things ever but they had no choice because they lived in comunism ….and there weren’t any other quality lipsticks on the market at that time. I used to steal it from my mom to try it on in hiding when I was just a kid.Cristina Feather from Romaniahttp://Www.featherinashoe.com

emma

so, like dior’s lip glow… only BETTER?

Cat

No, Dior’s is better! hahah trust me, that green thing can turn into hot blinding pink. And you won’t be able to take it off for like 2 days hahah. Stick with Dior.

http://twitter.com/Neuzeth Laura Neuzeth

I just ordered one. I hope I get a nice pink stain on my lips like you did.

guita

I had seen this lipstick about 40 years ago (I know you may think I am too old but I’m not). It originally came from Syria or somewhere in the middle east. Once you apply it, it takes about an hour for full color, yet its amazingly moist.

http://www.hauteinhabit.com/ Haute Inhabit

This is cool shit! Gonna try it.

Valentina

Very bonita! But i still feel like f.u. Ring is kind of insulting meeeee in particular (as opposed to me in general).

Paperstarz

Why does this remind me of a lipstick I had while growing up in HS, in the late 90’s….I do believe this lipstick has been around forever.

Oh my gosh….it’s gorgeous! I’ve been looking for something like this for years!!!!!! I hate the red lips, red teeth, red smeared look but that pink is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for spreading the love….

Michelle

Does it have any moisture in it? I have the driest lips on record and am constantly moisturizing my lips with balm. Hopefully the lip balm won’t contribute to lessening the longevity of this wonderful intuitive color magic!

Erin Hennessy

does anyone know where else you can get it? the ebay store is already sold out!

laraleimarie

Oh no! the link you posted to buy the lipstick is now SOLD OUT! Do you have any other suggestions of where to buy?

luisa

same here- my grandmother used to use these- she was from cuba- they were very popular- and i remember them from when i was a kid. they smelled very weird.

Blou

BARRY M does them! Their topshop stall sells them!

Lea

Help.. Can find it online can only find the “mood changing lipstick” not the Moroccan kind

http://mafaldadotzero.blogspot.fr/ Mafalda

Nice! And weird at the same time. The object itself is beautiful though. What color!
A friend of mine brought me a little tajine dish with dry poppy powder in it from Morroco. I just had to put a wet finger in it and color my lips, it was wonderful!

helena nicolau

wooooooowwww!! Love it!! so cute! So cool!! Have a nice day! One big kiss for youuuu ;D

Ha ha ha! We got some of this in Morocco. My macho man dad thought he’d make my kids laugh by putting some on too. He had perfect pink lips ALL DAY LONG and since then we’ve all thought it’s magic. Please don’t tell him he doesn’t have to take us back to Morocco to get more!

Natalie

How fun! Totally looking this shit up on amazon!

Cat

Yup, we had these all over the place in Colombia too. Oh the horrors I did with them as a child. The clown face would last 2 days hahahaha

Nina Eryn.

I’ve been practically obsessing over this lipstick ALL DAY now. just bought some:) it’s not Moroccan unfortunately, (curse you eBay and international shipping) but it will do… hopefully

Just ordered this neon green henna lipstick and excitedly sent a picture of my purchase to my mom. She sent me a concerned email back concerned for the safety of my lips – I explained, “it’s OK, I found it on the man repeller blog” – that did the opposite of pacifying her, now she thinks I’m dying my lips green to repel men…!

http://www.facebook.com/mollie.conlee.9 Mollie Conlee

Check out this vintage lipstick ad for the same type of product!! I found this at my school’s image library.

Addison Cain

Sold out already??? I’m dyyying.

Sónia Josue

That’s soo funny. I had one just like that 15 years ago, I bought in Morocco… Even the lid was the same…
insatisfeitainveterada.blogspot.pt

http://www.facebook.com/hanane.legrouri Hanane Legrouri

Ohh le3ker l Fess!! They sell that every where in the streets of Morocco! Sooo cheapp! Make me so happy to see this on your blog, being Moroccan and what so ever! :p

THUMBS UP!!!!! And I’ve tried it before, great invention (not sure it has henna though)

http://newbornfanatic.wordpress.com/ Newborn Fanatic

24 hours?!!!!!! dude I totally need to try this NOW. One of the many woes of getting older…must have permanently colored lips for a youthful glow. ^_~ and I haven’t found anything besides Nars semi matte lipstick and Benetint, for long lasting color.

Dior has one just like this! It looks like a chapstick but brings out the natural color in your lips matching your coloring. I have it and it works great! This green is much cooler though. Might have to invest in this!

Robin Verity

I can’t find this online right now and browsing on my phone sucks so I’m protesting by whoring out my link

Beautyandthegin.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/azalia09 Azalia Martínez

Leandra, if you paid more that $10 for this, give me a call. I can get 6 for $1.

In every possible color you can imagine or desire! Holla

http://www.facebook.com/noelia.lalala Noelia Rivers

i love them! i wore the black, green and blue ones, i prefer the black one it’s darker but still pink i love it

http://www.facebook.com/soraya.silva.393 Soraya Silva

This was a very popular lipstick at 80´s in Brazil and I used it so much when a was just a little girl… Thank you for remembering that!

Lippy

Hi, i’m actually the seller from ebay that you linked, i’d like to thank you for a mention firstly, they’ve all sold out within a few hours, currently have none in stock till tuesday where i may have some small stock.

It does indeed react to your body chemistry and turns a pinkish reddish hue depending on the person.

Thanks again, nice article!

Much love from the UK!

Dandy,

I used to have one of these!! eeek along with a copious mood rings! just incase I forgot what mood I was actually in!

I bought exactly this is Morocco. My husband still thinks I am nuts, but it works!

nawal

i am from the UAE and i am 25 years old and this product was so common when my sister and i and cousins were at the age of 7 and still is with my younger sibling and nieces .. they are sold in old souqs and small grocery stores in the market for $1 .. there is green and blue .. but green is more common and found easily .. this post made my day

http://twitter.com/Chicstreetsande Chic Streets & Eats

I can’t believe you brought this back to life, I used to own several of them when I was just a girl, yes back in the late 80s and early 90s and they were one of my favorite things to have. I thought they were so cool! Yet I had forgotten of their existence! I need to get my hand on them again! Thanks for sharing.

Xo,

Ana

http://twitter.com/selenaaponte Selena Aponte

This color is arguably my favorite on you, it blends in seamlessly with your skin tone and rejuvenates your smile. SOLD

Oh my God, I’m such a relic! I still remember those green lipsticks from the 80s! To be more exact, I’d long forgotten but you reminded me of them! I think I was 12 or 13 when they showed up in my part of the world, which is (or was) Ukraine. Some time between the 80s and the 90s. Thanks for posting this, this stuff is such fun! I’ll definitely look it up!

i’m from buenos aires, argentina, and i found it in china town for less than a dollar !

Olivia

I´ve already got mine! I´ve got it as a gift from some nice dependants in a shop in Marrakesh! They called it “magic lipstick”, Loved it

cris altuzarra

I have the same lipstick, it was a souvenir from Marrakech.They are awesome! I have one in green and another in purple, but the final color is the same, so natural, so fresh…

Fabita Punk

Looking really good girl This was my favorite type of lipstick when I was a kid…it always amazed me

Anya

Very interesting because when I was in Morocco all the women there had this… I tried it on to be told by my mum that it was too pink for me to wear every day!

Olga

Hi! Thanks for the post, I was so intrigued by that lipstick- got it ordered the next day. It looks so different on you! I was in quite a shock, because on my lips it turned out super bright pink and I felt like a character from a comic book lol maybe worth trying to some lip gloss on top…

Olga

to put*

tamara

Hi everyone i have found the lipstick for SALE on ebay… This is the Link…

Wow, I remember these were popular when I was a kid. My mom had one of those, some 20 years ago!

Captive Louise

I bought some of this from one of those huge chinese department stores here in Portugal, but it was blue and probably had 0% henna or any natural ingredient at all. Thing is, I was actually looking for blue lipstick and felt deeply disappointed.
…but these seem nice!

Hey, Portugal here too! Did it work like they are describing? Where did you get it? Rita

Nadine Khalil

your just so awesome.

billy

this is… AMAZING. I saw a girl applying it on the tube once and had to ask what it was about 3 years ago, science and beauty go perfect together!
l0ndoncalling.blogger.com

vivimo

Hey i am from argentina and here this product is very commun but it´s not the best beacause the ingredients aren´t the best for the lips so , take care , don´t use this every day. This a product that u can use for some party is not the worst but only take care wen u use them.

I bought a similar lip stain (although at a contemporary and branded packaging) at Sephora in Madrid (from their own brand, it was a slick black tube with the cutest lip drawing on top) last year and they happened to have to variations of it, one pinker and the other a red-ish colour. I bought one for me and one for a friend and it turns out that it too changes from person to person. Yours is great for a 80’s/90’s flashback though!

Brian22can

Note that tipping practices will vary from country to country, and even between regions in the same country.http://www.nograyhairs.com/

aisyah

the green color makes it look like a Halloween decoration to me. xD

Ana Carolina

Here is Brazil this green lipstick used to be called “24 hour lipstick”, coz once you had it on, there was no make up remover to take it off. When we applied, it was a bright pink color which would be just horrible by the end of the day… This is sooo 80’s. I can’t believe you resuscitated this product!!
xxx, Carol
mparaphernalia.blogspot.com.br

Ana Carolina

Here IN Brazil

Paty T

My sister got me one from some sort of moroccan shop near her neighborhood in Belgium, and it’s awesome. I love it.

Lachlan Molineux

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http://ivoryavenue.com/ Natalie Heather

Daaaaaaaaamn that’s awesome.

bigl4k

I’ve been wearing this lipstick for ages. It lasts forever on my lips even after brushing teeth. Super cheap. Less than $1 in my country

Willa Grant

They had that in the 1940’s it was called Tangee.

CY

pH is NOT short for pure hydrogen.

Angie.Evan.

ok it lasts. but can you remove it easily? i had a similar once where the colour stayed on like for days, it just didn’t leave my lips. annoying.

pltn

Reviver Balm by Dior does the same thing in a more..proper way!!!

Emily

I have 3 tubes of these from Moracco. They are awesome. Indeed green, same tube, same everything. Turns a bright pink on me and looks fabulous. No smell.No taste. Great consistency. So excited to see someone else knows this exists. Now I have to take a picture.

sns

I had this in the 7th grade in 1988. mine was blue though

Madeline Mad Maddie Moon

Is there a better link or a more permanent way to get this lipstick? Perhaps a US distributor? I’d like to try it, but the EBay seller you linked to in the article is already sold out and does not have any other items posted, let alone the lipstick. 8(

pamb

I’ve read several articles with Linda Rodin about her beauty routine, and she always mention Fran Wilson (I believe) Mood lipstick. Looks like I will be buying that one or the Moroccan one for summer. Curious if they dry out the lips, though.

http://www.deaduntilfriday.com Deaduntilfriday

I got this at Duane Reade a few weeks ago- does exactly the same thing and stains your lips for a freakishly long time: it’s called “Fran Wilsons MoodMatcher”